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I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite feline gestures is the cat headbutt. My own cat, Tara, headbutts me constantly when she’s sitting on top of me, and half the time she knocks my glasses off my face when she does it. I don’t mind the temporary inconvenience, because I know what the cat headbutt means.

First, what does a cat headbutt look like?

The cat headbutt is not when cats stick their heads into another cat’s butt, although that could be another amusing definition. When a cat headbutts, she taps her head against you and rubs her cheeks along whatever body part she’s near. Cats also headbutt objects like walls, chairs and furniture.

What does cat headbutting mean?

Cats have scent glands all over their bodies, and they use them to leave marks on objects, including you. According to cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett, cat headbutting is typically used for bonding and social purposes. “For the cat to place his face so close to yours and engage in this bonding behavior is quite an act of trust,” she says. Johnson-Bennett also explains that this behavior is more properly called catbunting.

People often inaccurately think that the cat headbutt is just a means of marking territory, but it’s a lot more than that. Scent communication is complex, and while cats do use scent to mark their territory, cat bunting can also be used to create familiarity and show respect.

Johnson-Bennett also says that cat headbutting may be attention-seeking behavior, particularly if your cat butts his head against you and then tucks it down or turns it to the side.

Do cats headbutt other cats as well as people?

Yes. In fact, you’ll often see feline friends rub one another with their heads. Not only does it create the “colony scent,” it helps with bonding as well. It’s a measure of deep trust for another cat to put her head so close to one of her feline companions. So, if you see your cat headbutt another cat, know that it means that they’re buddies.

Cat bunting is also seen in wild cats, so it’s something that comes to cats naturally through millennia of evolution.

Why do some cats headbutt and others don’t?

Every cat is different, so don’t worry if your cat doesn’t headbutt you or her fellow felines. There’s a lot of variation in the frequency and intensity of the cat headbutt. And there are tons of other ways that cats show affection.

Don’t confuse head pressing for headbutting

Head pressing is when a cat presses her head against a wall or a piece of furniture relentlessly. Often accompanied by abnormal vocalization or other odd behaviors like circling and disorientation, cat head pressing is a manifestation of a neurological disorder. “Specifically, head pressing and the symptoms that go along with it usually are caused by problems with the central nervous system,” writes Dr. Eric Barchas. “In other words, head pressing occurs when something goes wrong with the brain.”

Tell us: So, what do you think of the cat headbutt? Do you love it, hate it or something in between? Does your cat headbutt or is she one of those cats who doesn’t typically headbutt? Please share your stories in the comments!

23 comments on “The Cat Headbutt: What Does It Mean, and Why Do Cats Do It?”

My cat Agnes (we thought Agnes was a girl, when we first got him). He just goes by Aggie now. Lol. He constantly heads butts me. I head butt him back. I definitely feel it is a form of affection. I am the only one in the house he sits on and head butts.

My formerly-feral cat has become quite affectionate with me over the years. I love that when I get in bed, she jumps up next to me and starts butting me with her head. She may then give me a sandpaper kiss or two on my forehead (I kiss her forehead all the time) before she settles in lying against my arm. Listening to her purr relaxes me and makes me happy. I even enjoy hearing her snore. She is the only feline companion I’ve ever had and taking her in was the best decision of my life. She has given me every bit as much as I’ve given her….

Yes, I have head-butters. Each to varying degrees. I even have one who likes ME to initiate the “boop”!
There is one that is bad. This happens during times of the year when the humidity is low and the air is dry. It is then that there is a lot of static-electricity. so when we go in for the Boop, a ZAP happens. They then give me a look like I did it on purpose, LOL.

My Chessie head-butts like a champ. She’s the Alpha and I get hard head-butts from her whenever she feels like it. So does my husband. It’s common around dinner. She will give us a multi-part head-butt – bip, bip, bip, all in quick succession. Since we don’t get in the way of her Alpha status, she’s a very happy girl!

I love it when my cat head butts me. He doesn’t usually head butt my face, but around feeding time, he’ll circle my legs and head butt me. It’s so cute! I take it to mean that he’s excited about the meal, and it’s his way of saying thank you. He’ll also circle me and head butt my legs when I first return home after being away for a while. Love it!

One of my foster cats Nelson is the king of headbutts. And he headbutts hard. Its kind of a joke in my house if you do not want headbutts you cannot make eye contact with Nelson. It does not matter if he has met them before or not. If you make eye contact with him prepare to be headbutted.

That’s extremely funny! I’ve never had a cat headbutt me when eye contact is made. Usually, they run up to me, and if they really like me, then they’ll go as far as sitting in my lap and massage me. However, for me, the headbutt is like a hug.

Please say a prayer for our big orange tabby, his name is Oliver. He is 17.5 years old. The most affectionate, gentle, playful ,happy kitty I’ve ever known. Ollie monster is in late stage kidney failure and I can see his days with us left are few. Thank you for all the joy you have brought to our lives buddy. You have enriched our family with your love, we will never forget you my feline friend. I will miss your headbutts and your purrs of contentment. ????

Thank you for your prayers. He is at the vet now. He is not interested in food now, not even tuna. The pain that we feel is the price of 17 years of love and joy. It’s time to stop his suffering and set him free.

This brings tears of sadness & but also joy to my eyes remembering our wonderful orang tabby so many years ago who was 20 years old when we had to let him go. His name was Lovey & we got him when my daughter was only 5 and he was her baby. It was like losing our baby. There has never been another cat quite like him although we do animal rescue & have had many “babies” come through our home. Losing each and every one over the years has been painful. I will pray for you but you will get through this pain and I hope you will give all that love you have to another lucky animal when you are ready bc it will help you get past the grief you feel
Now. God bless you for loving him so much. He was fortunate to have owners like you.

I wish you all the best in this difficult time. Lost my orange girl Emma at 19.5 years old to kidney disease 2 years ago. She was the absolute love of my life. I still feel her spirit with me every day. I don’t think they ever really leave us…our relationship with them just changes form. We just are so lucky to be able to share our lives with them.

Thank you all for your prayers and kindness. Ollie is still with us! After his visit to the vet, his recovery has been quite surprising. He has gradually increased his food intake, and seems much more himself. He is enjoying his multiple daily head rubs, he is purring and even a little playfull. (Smile)

Our kitchen would never be the same without Oliver demanding to know what’s cooking. Lol

ON CATS HEAD-BUTTING:
MY CAT HEAD-BUTTS ME WHEN I’M SITTING IN MY RECLINER, and SHE IS ON THE ARM-REST. I’LL HEAD-BUTT HER BACK(head to head) then SHE STARTS PURRING. That happens almost every night, SO I THINK SHE REALLY LIKES ME…

My kitty loves to head butt our German Shepherd and walk in and out of his legs when he’s standing. The shepherd looks at me with an expression that says “do I really have to endure this?” Of course the answer is yes! He secretly loves it but won’t admit it to anyone.
Dawn